Search form

You are here

Stigma and Discrimination

Many people living with diabetes suffer stigmatisation and discrimination. However, stigma is particularly pronounced for girls and women, who carry a double burden of discrimination because of their health status and the inequalities perpetrated in male-dominated societies.

Families of girls and women with diabetes may withdraw support and force them to keep their health status secret. This discourages them from seeking diagnosis and treatment and creates diabetes-related guilt and depression.

Girls and women with diabetes can be discriminated against in terms of marriageability, which in many societies represents their main route to economic and social status, particularly in rural areas. Moreover, women with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are more likely to be divorced, separated or abandoned by their husbands, leaving them financially vulnerable.